Three more of Ortt's bills signed into law

Submitted

State Sen. Rob Ortt announced three bills he
introduced earlier this year have been signed into law. Gov. Andrew Cuomo
signed legislation (S4523A) that prevents Niagara Frontier Transportation
Authority funds from being diverted, while S5061A is in relation to the North
Tonawanda Firemen's Benevolent Association, and S3638A relates to those with intellectual-developmental
disabilities.

S4523A ensures money allocated for the NFTA goes
directly to its general fund rather than being redirected to the state for
governmental purposes. These dedicated funds are derived from taxes and fees
that help support the NFTA and its subsidiaries. The additional financial
assistance will help the NFTA sustain its services.

According to the NFTA, the Metro carries about 94,000
people a day, has 1,119 full-time and part-time employees, and utilizes 332
buses, 27 rail cars, 35 vans and four trolley-buses.

Decreased ridership, among other factors beyond the
NFTA's control, has caused it to operate under many fiscal challenges. The
economic decline significantly decreased the NFTA's annual state transit
operating assistance. Meanwhile, other factors have adversely impacted the
NFTA, such as rising health care insurance and workers compensation costs, as
well as drops in fees collected from mortgage recording taxes.

"This law is the result of a bipartisan
collaboration with my Assembly colleagues," Ortt said. "We recognized the
importance of the NFTA needing a reliable funding stream to help tackle its
financial and structural challenges. This law guarantees that NFTA revenue will
be reinvested in our local infrastructure - to move goods and workers and to
attract tourists and jobs - not swept to the state general fund."

S5061A amends a law written in 1903 for the North
Tonawanda Firemen's Benevolent Association. The amended law removes the $100
cap that was placed on members of the association for funeral expenses.

S3638A ensures the state's public policy of
providing support and services for individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities will continue for nonprofits that provide those
services under the state's Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.
Some of the services include residential, day and employment services. The
measure comes after a plan to transition those with developmental disabilities
into managed care, while long-term care services continue to be provided by
nonprofits.